The NDP is pushing the provincial government to reclassify conservation officers so they can get a boost in pay.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois the CO’s are not being paid according to their qualifications.

“Conservation officers are paid up to $31,000 less than OPP officers, despite being held to the same standards of training,” Vaugeois told the Ontario Legislature this week during Question Period.

“They have the same levels of risk and the responsibility to carry sidearms.”

Vaugeois suggests that CO’s are leaving the profession because of a lack of pay.

“Morale continues to decline because experienced conservation officers are leaving the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to take jobs where the pay actually matches their training and experience.”

The government says it continues to meet with OPSEU on a classification review for conservation officers.

It also adds that it has created 25 new conservation officer positions and Ontario now has over 200 across the province.